This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/ncB.2ACE/1482 Message Board Post: This message was posted on another forum. http://genforum.genealogy.com/burdge/messages/151.html Michael Burdge was a veteran of the American Revolution. Originally from New York, he came to South Carolina around 1790 as a Methodsit minister/circuit rider. Methodist records verify this. While in the area of modern Colleton County Michael purchased sone land near the Edisto River and married a Risher around 1791/1792. They had 4 or 5 daughters prior to the death of Michael's wife around 1800. The descendants of Michael and his wife identify her as Hannah Risher. About the only Hannah Risher most researchers show livng in that period was Hannah Cook Taylor, a widow who married Samuel Risher. Some show Samuel as a son of Benjamin Risher, Sr.. but descendants indicate they are not sure who Samuel's father was and that Samuel only had two siblings, sisters named Mary and Sarah. A Quick Claim Deed dated 31 October 1793 mentions John Risher deceased, his widow Sarah Risher, and sons Richard and Benjamin. In two places, it is indicated that the deed was witnessed by Michael Burdge and Eletha Burdge. More than likely Eletha was Michael's wife. Since Michael married after 1790 and apparently his wife passed away prior to the 1800 census, he is not shown as head of household in St. Bartholomew's Parish, SC. Benjamin Risher, Jr. was probably a cousin of Michael's wife. Ben, Jr. who was marreid to Mary Koger passed away in October, 1810 due to a fall from a horse. His death took place after the 1810 census was taken. Descendants of Ben Risher, Jr. indicate he was survived by his widow and three young sons. However, the 1810 census indciates that his household included 3 females, over 10 and under 16. Possibly these young ladies were Michael's daughters? After the death of his wife, Michael Burdge reentered the Methodsit ministry, but would again drop out. He is said to have eventually returned to New York with his children. Moichael's descendants are trying to learn who his wife's parents were.